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Lorenzo teaching

MusicMaps

These MusicMaps provide a clear and accurate visual representation of a specific piece of music. They were developed as a tool to assist students who could not read music in following the progression of a composition, moment by moment. At the same time they are of interest to musicians, as they provide a unique opportunity to see in detail the structure and proportion of a piece of music at a glance. Each MusicMap is an accurate graphic transcription of a specific performance based on the time scale of one inch equals one minute of music. The organizing principle is structural and thematic rather than harmonic, with the different colors used to represent specific, melodic material. The choice of particular colors is subjective and somewhat arbitrary but brighter colors tend to represent more striking themes, while grays, browns, or muted colors are used for transitional or less clearly melodic material. Within a movement, closely related colors usually suggest a similar relationship between the musical material. While listening to a performance, one reads the MusicMap from left to right and from top to bottom.

MusicMap Notes

Many of the MusicMaps have accompanying explanatory notes that offer a wealth of information. At first glance these may seem a bit daunting, and it should be understood that in the classroom much additional explanation is provided. However, with the glossary document below and the charts of musical form it should be possible, for those who wish, to explore these notes and learn a good deal about the pieces described.

MusicMaps With Notes

Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Major (See Better)

Beethoven: Bie Mannern Variations for Cello & Piano Map, Notes

Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 2 in G Minor Map, Notes

Beethoven: Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Major Map, Notes

Beethoven: 'Eyeglasses' Duet for Viola & Cello Map, Notes

Beethoven: Grand Trio in B-Flat Major, Op. 11 Map, Notes

Beethoven: Piano Trio in B-Flat Major 'Archduke' Map, Notes

Beethoven: Piano Trio in D Major 'Ghost' Map, Notes

Beethoven: Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, Op. 70, No. 2 Map, Notes

Beethoven: String Quartet No. 2 in G Major Map, Notes

Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Major Map, Notes

Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 4 in A Minor Map, Notes

Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major 'Spring' Map, Notes

Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 7 in C Minor Map, Notes

Beethoven: Violin Sonata No. 9 in A 'Kreutzer' Map, Notes

Brahms: String Sextet No. 2 in G Major Map, Notes

Haydn: Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, Hob. XV: No. 29 Map, Notes

Mozart: Clarinet Quintet in A Major Map, Notes

Older MusicMaps Without Notes

Beethoven: Piano Trio in C Minor (See Better)

Beethoven: Leonore Overtures Numbers 1, 2 & 3: A Compairson (extra-long)

Beethoven: Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 1, No. 3

Beethoven: Symphony #4 in B-Flat Major, Op. 60

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor (two-page spread) (Page 1) (Page 2)

Chopin: Cello Sonata

Debussy: Sonata for Flute, Viola & Harp

Dvorak: String Quartet #14 in A-Flat Major, Op. 105

Haydn: String Quartet in E-Flat, Op. 64, No. 6

Mendelssohn: Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64

Mendelssohn: Op. 81 for String Quartet

Mozart: Cocerto in A for Clarinet (extra-long)

Mozart: Cocerto in C for Flute & Harp

Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Mozart: Magic Flute Overture

Mozart: Piano Sonata in A, K. 331 (extra-long)

Mozart: Piano Trio in G, K. 564

Mozart: Requiem

Mozart: Symphony #32 in G / Strauss, Johann Jr.: Artist's Life Waltz

Rossini: The Barber of Seville Overture

Schubert: Piano Quintet in A 'The Trout'

Schubert: String Quintet in C ('Cello Quintet')

Shostakovich: Symphony #5, Op. 47

Strauss, Johann Jr.: Artist's Life Waltz / Mozart: Symphony #32 in G

Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien

Musical Form Diagrams

Typical Sonata Form (See Better)

Standard Melodic Phrase Structure

Typical Sonata Form

Binary Form / Ternary Form / Minuet & Trio

Typical Rondo / Theme & Variations

Early Child-oriented Maps

Here is a chance to see how the MusicMaps first came into being, when Lorenzo Mitchell devised them as a fun way of preparing his young son Quinn before going to concerts. The MusicMaps also proved very handy at the performances themselves, where Quinn could follow along with the music and stay happily engaged.